Sheffield Wednesday: Owls chief praises Lopez’s impact

Dom Howson

The Spanish midfielder, on loan from Celta Vigo until the end of the season, stood out in Wednesday’s entertaining draw at Derby County last weekend.

In the absence of Sam Hutchinson, who is still recovering from glandular fever, Lopez has filled the void in the middle of the park, producing a series of assured displays. The 28-year-old has started their last six Championship fixtures.

In total, Lopez has clocked up 24 appearances in Owls colours and Carvalhal is pleased with how he has adapted to English football.

Carvalhal said: “Alex is a good, experienced player. He had a lot of experience in the Spanish first league. I know him very well because Vigo is 45 minutes from my city so I saw a lot of games from Celta Vigo and especially from Alex. We are happy to be with the player here.”

Lopez is likely to keep his place in the side for Saturday’s mouthwatering showdown with Cardiff City. Wednesday, without a win in four matches, still require a point to book clinch a top-six finish.

The club have asked fans to stay off the pitch following their final Hillsborough fixture of the season.

The Owls issued a statement yesterday, saying: “Due to improvements to the club’s training ground facilities at Middlewood Road planned to be completed for the start of pre-season, the first team will be effectively based at Hillsborough for the remainder of the campaign and it is vital we maintain the best possible playing surface on which the squad can train.”

The Owls’ players will conduct the traditional lap of honour post-match.